THIS CLASS IS SIMULTANTIOUSLY PRESENTED IN-PERSON AND ONLINE. REGISTRANTS MAY CHOOSE THIER MODE OF PARTICIPATION.

We're surrounded by inventions. Clocks, appliances, cars, televisions, cell phones… the list goes on and on. Where did all these inventions come from? How do they work? And how do they reflect - even define - the values of our culture? Now, you can learn the remarkable stories surrounding monumental inventions - and how consequential these inventions were to history. Taught by Professor W. Bernard Carlson of the University of Virginia, who is an expert on the role of innovation in history, these 36 enlightening lectures will be presented in Spring, Summer, and Fall terms and give attendees a broad survey of material history, from the ancient pottery wheel to the Internet and social media. Course will be presented online and in-person at the same time.